It's so lovely to exchange letters, and letters with strangers who could quickly become friends is ridiculously fun. Interestingly, I'm not the type of person to chat up strangers in the line at the grocery store, although I do admire those who can do it (like my mother, and like the lady who asked me what the heck fennel was last week, and what one does with it). I love to talk, and when I do meet someone and feel a spark of a kindred spirit, as Anne Shirley would say, it doesn't take me long to make them my new best friend, though. And this penpal project is a great way to reach out -- it's fun to think about how it's a re-invention of an old pastime, made possible by our current methods of communication. Without people putting their work and thoughts out on the internet for strangers to come by and read and comment on and start conversations, would an old-fashioned penpal project be possible today?

Back to the letters. Nicole included a lovely quote from the magnificent poet Mary Oliver, from her poem "It was Early" in Evidence:

Sometimes I need
only to stand
wherever I am
to be blessed

Good words to live by, don't you think?

Both my penpals are big readers and love poetry. They also cook, and Cathy kindly sent two recipes, which I'm going to share with you today. They're nice and cheesy, great for getting through this last bit of chilly, wet weather before the spring sunshine and fresh vegetables arrive.

Thanks for your comment! Many people might have the same question you do, so I always respond in the comments, so click the little "subscribe by e-mail" link below to be notified of a response. If you leave your e-mail, I will usually e-mail you an answer to any questions. Of course, you're always welcome to send me an e-mail anytime - meghan {dot} isfive {at} gmail {dot} com.

make, do, share, be.

"Whereas nonmakers must content themselves with the merely undeniable fact that two times to is four, he rejoices in a purely irresistible truth (to be found, in abbreviated costume, uponthe title page of the present volume)." E. E. Cummings